National recall of Bunnings electric shock spa

Nicole Cox

Hundreds of people risk electric shock or possible electrocution after a fault was detected in an inflatable outdoor spa sold by hardware giant Bunnings.

Bunnings has issued a national alert recalling the 700 litre M-Spa Inflatable Silver Cloud Spa after the company received two reports of people in Victoria receiving "minor electric shocks" when using the spa.

More than 730 defective spas have been sold across the Australia, with 71 sold at West Australian stores.

Testing by energy safety regulator Energy Safe Victoria and Bunnings revealed ineffective insulation of the internal water heating element and the possibility the electrical current could transfer to the control box, water and wet parts of the product.

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The defect affects spas with the model number B-110 sold between September 2013 and February 2014.

Bunnings merchandising and store development director Clive Duncan said the company had made the decision to voluntarily recall the spa as a precautionary safety measure.

"Bunnings is aware that there is a small potential threat of an electric shock associated with use of this spa," Mr Duncan said.

"While there have only been two reported minor incidents to date, Bunnings is recalling the product as a precautionary measure.

"Bunnings takes the safety of its customers very seriously and will continue to work with the relevant authorities to ensure the compliance of our products."

Mr Duncan said the product was removed from sale on February 20 and after further testing Bunnings made the decision to recall the spas.

An M-Spa spokesman said the fault was limited to the Silver Cloud product manufactured in China specifically for Bunnings and did not extend to other M-Spa brand products.

"From my information from the factory, there is no possible way it could lead to any harm," he said.

He likened the electric shock sensation as no more serious than "putting a battery on your tongue".

"It is a mild case of tingling. No one is at danger... This is not a health or safety issue."

Energy Safe Victoria has been contacted for comment.

Bunnings has advised customers to immediately stop using the defective spa and return it to the nearest Bunnings store for a full refund.